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What’s there to do besides Fishing at Chautauqua Lake?
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Long Point State Park is across the lake and it has a lovely picnic area, swimming area and playground. Follow the links at www.tourchautauqua.com
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We are approximately 95 miles from Niagara Falls, and it is a great day trip. You can go on the tours that take you under or right up close to the falls, or simply take a picnic and hike around the falls area for a less expensive outing, while still getting great views of the falls. There are plenty of hiking trails in the area. Follow the links to Recreation at www.tourchautauqua.com
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Why not rent a Pontoon Boat or a Jet Ski at one of the many places to rent water crafts on the lake? http://www.tourchautauqua.com. Follow the link at Boating, Fishing and The Lake.
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Chautauqua Institution is a world revered cultural community. The official season starts the last week in June and ends 9 weeks later at the end of August. You can enjoy all kinds of arts; ballet, symphony, opera, featured performers and lecturers. The performances slow down off-season but it's still a great place to view some incredible architecture, take in the ambience of this lovely community and enjoy the occasional off-season performance. On Sundays the admission is free, and they hold an ecumenical church service in the Amphitheater. It is located just 1.2 miles south of the cottages. www.ciweb.org
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Midway Park is a delightful little amusement park, filled with the charm of yesteryear. If you have little ones in your group they will have a ball, and if you frame it as a nostalgic experience for the older kids they’ll enjoy it too. Don’t miss the opportunity to step back in time. http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=183
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Panama Rocks is a treat for the whole family. Bring a picnic lunch and some chairs to relax in. After your first trip through the wonderful caverns and caves, you can enjoy the sunshine while the kids continue to explore the Natural Playground. www.panamarocks.com
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Dart Airport is a small local airport located just a few minutes away in Mayville. They offer glider and airplane rides (very reasonable) and have a small aviation museum.
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There is an awesome Flea Market held on Saturdays and Sundays until early afternoon very near the Dart Airport in Mayville. Quite a treat!
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Lana’s Little House is a storybook English Cottage not too far away in the town of Forestville that some in your group might find fascinating. This is a personal favorite of mine! Go for tea and a tour or plan to attend one of the workshops. Expect and enjoy the personalized attention you’ll receive from Lana! www.lanasthelittlehouse.com
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Nearby Jamestown is the birthplace of Lucille Ball, and home to the Lucy-Desi Museum, a tribute to the First Couple of Comedy, and the Desilu Playhouse, the “I Love Lucy” museum. http://www.lucy-desi.com
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How about going Horse Back Riding? Just 20 minutes away you will find Double D. A. B. Riding stables where they have miles of scenic trails and many other kinds of farm animals. www.doubledab.com
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The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is a fascinating nature center: http://www.rtpi.org
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The Audubon Center and Sanctuary is a beautiful place to visit. Whether you’re a “birder” or just like being out in nature, you’re sure to be pleased! http://www.jamestownaudubon.org/
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Why not go for a dinner cruise on the lake on the “Summer Wind”? www.thesummerwind.com
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Take a steamboat tour of Chautauqua Lake on the historical Chautauqua Belle. www.chautauquabelle.com
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How about grabbing a latte, cappuccino or other specialty coffee drink at Stedman Corners Store where they roast their own coffee beans. Perhaps you’ll find that perfect gift while you’re there, or decide to buy some of their delicious fresh roasted coffee beans. www.stedmancoffee.com
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We’re located in the heart of grape country and there are plenty of wineries. The wine trail web address is http://www.chautauquawinetrail.org.
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“Mayville Events” brings all sorts of events, concerts and artists to the area. Check their schedule at www.mayvilleevents.com
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Nearby Bemus Point has lots of activities scheduled throughout the summer. Take the boat to one of the many restaurants with docks. How about a free movie or concert held on the Floating Stage just offshore from the Italian Fisherman? http://www.bemusbaypops.com
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There are many golf courses in the area. Follow the links at http://www.tourchautauqua.com
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Just a short stroll or even shorter drive down the road is a lovely establishment called the Red Brick Farm. They have an incredible antique and reproduction furniture store, a fabulous French Restaurant, a gourmet shop, dollhouse shop, gift shops and a greenhouse, and are adding new shops al the time. Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll through their gardens and enjoy this splendid addition to the Mayville scene. There are a variety of events throughout the year hosted at the Red Brick Farm. Check to see what’s happening during your stay with us. www.redbrickfarm.com
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Fishing Adventures...Perhaps you'd like to take a chartered fishing expedition on the lake.
Bob at www.chautauquaanglingadventures.com would be delighted to accommodate you! -
Haff Acres is an even shorter stroll, located just South of us and across the road. Enjoy their fresh picked fruit and vegetables or some home baked pies or delicious muffins. If it’s corn season, don’t miss out on our fabulous Chautauqua County corn!
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Crossroads Country Market: Located just a short distance away in Westfield you will find this country market where you can watch local artisans at work and purchase their handmade crafts. Plan on buying some homemade goodies to bring back with you or have lunch there. Check their schedule, as the market has limited hours. www.thecrossroadsmarket.com
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Amish Country: We are in the heart of Amish Country. Just follow some of the hand made signs that direct you to Fresh Baked Goods, Quilts, and Lumber. You will know you’re on the right path when you see the blue clothes hanging on the line and no electricity running to the houses. The Amish are an active part of our local economy and while their lifestyle is different than most, we have great working relationships with them and have formed a mutual respect. As you’re enjoying the campfire pit, know that the wood provided by Irwin Bay Cottages comes from a local Amish Sawmill. Cherry Creek is another Amish community and they are located on the map in your Visitors Guide.
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Go Antiquing in nearby Westfield. While you’re there, be sure to ask about the little girl who prompted Abraham Lincoln to grow a beard. There’s a lovely statue representing that little girl, Grace Bedell, and Lincoln on the corner of Routes 394 and 20 at the traffic light.
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Visit Lake Erie and Barcelona Harbor in nearby Westfield, where there is a replica of a 16th Century British three-master, square rigged Sailing Ship.
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For racing fans, the Lake Erie Speedway is just a short drive away near North East, PA. They hold NASCAR sanctioned races on Friday evenings. http://www.lakeeriespeedway.com
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Take the family for a short ride to Jamestown and enjoy a Drive-In Movie at “Park 60” Drive-In, 1529 Foote Ave Ext. Jamestown. (716) 484-6060.
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If you’re itching to donate some money to the local Indian Reservation, there are two Casinos within a reasonable drive time. The Seneca Casino is located at the intersection of Routes 5 and 20 in Irving, and the Salamanca Casino is located off the 86 Expressway going east. Don’t forget to fill up the gas tank while at the reservation.
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There are plenty of places to enjoy good food nearby. Right here in Mayville we have The Watermark, Olives, La Fleur, Webb’s, Andriaccio’s, Red Line Drive-In; Dick’s Harbor House, The Lakeview, Bonar’s Restaurant, Sadie J's, The Docks, The Pauper, and Box Car Barney’s. Drive a few more miles in either direction and the possibilities are endless.
This is just a small sampling of things to do. Stop by the visitors center; the brick building in front of Chautauqua Institution and pick up a Chautauqua County Visitors guide and some more information! If we at Irwin Bay Cottages can help you with other suggestions, please let us know. 716 753-7792
Enjoy your stay!
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